Health Expert Assures Public Against New Wave of COVID-19 Infections, Monitoring Three Variants
There is no need to panic over the new wave of COVID-19 infection as this is just a normal increase in cases, according to infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante. Solante mentioned during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program that the uptick in cases will only be temporary and will not continue to spread.
The World Health Organization is currently monitoring three new COVID-19 variants – JN.1.18, KP.2, and KP.3, with KP.2 and KP.3 known as the “FLiRT” variants. The Department of Health (DOH) stated that there is no evidence yet that these variants are causing severe to critical COVID-19 locally and internationally.
Solante emphasized that these variants have a slow public health risk compared to the Delta and Alpha variants, which have a higher risk of severe infection or hospitalization. He advised the public to remain vigilant and protect themselves against the virus by observing minimum public health standards, especially among the vulnerable population.
Meanwhile, Singapore recently reported a new COVID-19 wave due to rising infection cases, recording 25,900 cases in the past two weeks compared to 13,700 cases a week prior.
In another health concern, the Philippines has recorded 59,267 dengue cases this year, marking a 29.62 percent increase from the same period last year. The DOH data showed that Soccsksargen recorded the highest number of dengue cases, followed by several other regions.
Despite the increase in cases, there has been a decrease in dengue-related deaths this year, according to the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa urged the public to remain vigilant against dengue fever and other water-borne diseases, especially during the rainy season.
The DOH reiterated its call for the public to practice the “4S” strategy to prevent dengue, which includes searching and destroying breeding places, ensuring self-protection, seeking early consultation, and supporting fogging/spraying in hotspot areas. Dengue, a year-round disease, is transmitted through the bite of dengue-infected mosquitoes and primarily affects young children and infants.
